CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. If this does not open, it perhaps decreases the chance of germination (4,4)

5. Practices price drop and plays the part (4)

8. I heard you scoff at your offspring for wearing this shoe? (8)

10. Staff have sheep reportedly, on the bill of fare (4)

11. It is a ballet step but not in France (3)

13. Courage needed reportedly to commit this crime (5)

14. A month to demonstrate? (5) 15. Northern ewe station had the most up-to-date (6)

17. With oxygen mask, op Jeffrey performed in Macedonia (6)

19. Finish up with taking the stage – what a point of view (3-2)

20. Torment the Hindu leader’s relative (5)

22. The hole in a megaphone (3) 24. Complex items have a way out (4)

25. Some Addis Ababa bush Katherine the Great wore around her head (8)

26. What has castrato garments got to do with Roman attire? (4)

27. Tend ear Edward had and become captivated by it (8)

Down

1. “Emptiness” Rod’s devastated by in Central Australia (7,6)

2. No search for cream cheese for the compere (5)

3. Rock music for the younger set? (6,4)

4. Dame Dane (4)

6. Finish a task and the weather will improve (5,2)

7. Wet Rd. washouts were in this direction (5-8)

9. Paid up for the device (4)

12. Sue shook me up – got cured in it (10)

16. With condensation returning, the accident happened at the match (7)

18. What someone with two fathers calls them? (4)

21. Reportedly the Eastend theatre worker makes you keep quiet (5)

23. The sailor, gets the Spaniard to return because he can (4)

Yesterday

Across: 3 & 27ac. Jerusalem artichoke, 8. Roux, 9. Lunchroom, 10. Bonsai,

11. Friar, 14 & 15ac. Brand name, 16. Splat, 18. Eels, 20. Input, 21. Early,

24. Nicety, 25. Melanesia, 26. Trio.

Down: 1. Cry babies, 2. Turntable, 4. Etui, 5. ulcer, 6. Airman, 7. Eros, 9. Lauds, 11. Folly, 12. Raspberry, 13. Sentry box, 17. Tibia, 19. Salami, 22. Leech, 23. Leer, 24. Nick.